Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

May 3, 1920 in LaGrange, IL

Death

:

March 29, 2001 in New York City, NY

 

John Lewis was an American jazz pianist and composer who was born on May 3, 1920, in La Grange, Illinois. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. Lewis began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. He studied at the University of New Mexico and later at the Manhattan School of Music. Lewis began his career as a jazz pianist in the 1940s, playing with musicians such as Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. He was a member of the Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ) from its formation in 1952 until its disbandment in 1974. The MJQ was known for its unique blend of jazz and classical music, and Lewis was a key contributor to the group's sound. Lewis was also a prolific composer, writing music for both the MJQ and other ensembles. His compositions were influenced by classical music, as well as jazz and blues. Some of his most famous works include "Django," "Two Degrees East, Three Degrees West," and "Afternoon in Paris." Lewis was known for his innovative approach to jazz, incorporating elements of classical music and other genres into his compositions. He was also a skilled arranger, creating intricate and complex arrangements for the MJQ and other groups. In addition to his work with the MJQ, Lewis also collaborated with other musicians and ensembles throughout his career. He worked with the American Jazz Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, among others. Lewis was also a respected educator, teaching at the City College of New York and the Manhattan School of Music. He was a mentor to many young musicians and was known for his dedication to music education. Lewis continued to perform and compose music throughout his life, even after the disbandment of the MJQ. He passed away on March 29, 2001, at the age of 80. John Lewis was a pioneering figure in the world of jazz, known for his innovative approach to music and his contributions to the MJQ. His compositions and arrangements continue to be studied and performed by musicians around the world, and his legacy as a composer and educator lives on.

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